''American Men and Women of Science'' (the 40th edition was published in 2022) is a biographical reference work on leading scientists in the United States and Canada, published as a series of books and online by
Gale
A gale is a strong wind; the word is typically used as a descriptor in nautical contexts. The U.S. National Weather Service defines a gale as sustained surface winds moving at a speed of between 34 and 47 knots (, or ). The first edition was published in 1906, named ''American Men of Science''; the work broadened its title to include women in 1971. (However, women were listed in it before that. Two women, Grace Andrews and Charlotte Angas Scott, were listed in the first edition of ''American Men of Science'' in 1906.)
''American Men and Women of Science'' profiles living persons in the physical and biological fields, as well as public health scientists, engineers, mathematicians, statisticians, and computer scientists. According to the publisher, those included met the following criteria: (1) Distinguished achievement, by reason of experience, training or accomplishment, including contributions to literature, coupled with continuing activity in scientific work; or (2) Research activity of high quality in science as evidenced by publication in reputable scientific journals; or, (3) for those whose work cannot be published due to governmental or industrial security, research activity of high quality in science as evidenced by the judgment of the individual's peers; or (4) Attainment of a position of substantial responsibility requiring scientific training and experience.
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Booklist
''Booklist'' is a publication of the American Library Association that provides critical reviews of books and audiovisual materials for all ages. ''Booklist''s primary audience consists of libraries, educators, and booksellers. The magazine is av ...
'' described ''American Men and Women of Science'' as the " Cadillac of scientific biography". ''WorldTrade'' wrote that ''American Men and Women of Science'' "... remains without peer as a chronicle of scientific endeavor and achievement in the United States and Canada."
Scientists who are not citizens of the United States or Canada are included if a significant portion of their work was performed in North America.
Background
It was first compiled as ''American Men of Science'' by James McKeen Cattell in 1906. (Despite the name, two women, Grace Andrews and Charlotte Angas Scott, were listed in this first edition of ''American Men of Science''.) As of 2020, the book has published 38 editions in its 114-year history. In 1971, its name was changed from ''American Men of Science'' to ''American Men and Women of Science''.
The project editor for the 38th edition published in 2020 was Katherine H. Nemeh. Recent Advisory Board members include James E. Bobick, Former Department Head, Science and Technology Carnegie Library of Pittsburg K. Lee Lerner Science Correspondent and Senior Commissioning Editor, LMG (London, Paris, Cambridge); and David A. Tyckoson, Associate Dean, Henry Madden Library, California State University, Fresno. Lerner also a member of the National Press Club of Washington, D.C.. has served on the AMWS Advisory Board since 2003.
Recent editions have made progress toward greater inclusion and diversity. The 18 volumes of the 38th edition of AMWS feature short biographies, including education, experience, research, honors and awards, across a range of scientific disciplines. Entries are indexed by the 192 Taxonomy of Degrees and Employment Specialties categories of the National Science Foundation.